second best

noun

1. the next to the best in performance, achievement, craftsmanship, etc.

second-best

adjective

1. next to the best
2. come off second best informal.
   to be defeated in competition

noun

1. an inferior alternative

Other Words From

• second-best adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of second best¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Idioms and Phrases

Also, second class . Next after the first in rank or quality, inferior to the best, as in We aren't satisfied with being second best in sales , or This hotel is obviously second class . The first term dates from the first half of the 1400s, the variant from about 1800. Also see come off , def. 2; second class .

Example Sentences

Without Tagovailoa, last season's second best scorers are bottom in scoring this season having managed just 70 points.

From BBC

They will return to home soil as one of only three nations to win more than 100 medals and, with 49 golds, have their second best haul of golds since the 1996 Games.

From BBC

Your second best bet is to stay put and get yourself a burro.

From Los Angeles Times

Senior running back/linebacker Keshawn Galloway was second best in the Pilots’ rushingattack, closing the contest with 100 yards and one touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times

Hug was second best to Britain's David Weir at London 2012 but made his breakthrough four years later in Rio.

From BBC